When people visit Proserpine chances are their final destinations are Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands. A bit of time in this pleasant country town provides a nice change of pace.
Proserpine’s business is sugar and beef. Legend has it that the town received its name from the explorer George Dalyrmple, who was struck by the rich fertile landscapes and called it after Persephone, the Greek goddess of fertility (Proserpine is the Latin name). Today, fields of sugar cane still dominate the countryside and the Proserpine Sugar Mill is a landmark.
There are some charming Art Deco buildings dotted about Main Street, and the Historical Museum and Cultural Hall shine a light on Proserpine’s past. For picnics and playgrounds, Pioneer Park and Mill Street Park are both pleasant spaces.
A little outside Proserpine (19km or 12 miles), Cedar Creek Falls is a beautiful spot for bush walks with a year-round natural swimming pool. Slightly further away, about 30km (19 miles), is Conway National Park, which has sumptuous views over the Whitsundays.
Lake Proserpine (also known as Peter Faust Dam) is 26km (16 miles) inland from Proserpine, a favourite with fishermen who find some of the largest Barramundi and Sooty Grunter in its waters.
Proserpine has two main seasons. The wet season runs from November to April and the dry season from May to October. Thunderstorms, high winds, flooding and cyclones are all to be expected during the wet season. The dry season is warm and sunny. Temperatures range between 23 and 32 C (75 and 90 F) year-round.
There are taxis and hire cars available at the airport. Whitsunday Transit is the public transport option, which runs a frequent, reliable local bus service. Car is best if you wish to get out and about around the region.